Policing the oil patch

September 17, 2015 1:02 PM

Photo: MIRA OBERMAN, AFP/Getty Images

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This June 24, 2008 photo shows Midland County, Texas Sheriff Gary Painter posing in front of an oil pump. The wide open oilfields of West Texas are ripe pickings for thieves these days. Some drive up to one of the thousands of pump jacks that dot the countryside and siphon crude out of the storage tanks. Some pull up to a drill site after the crews have gone for the night and haul away tools, pipes and equipment. Others take kickbacks, file false invoices or just plain steal knowing their bosses are too busy riding the oil boom to keep a close eye on accounting. (MIRA OBERMAN/AFP/Getty Images) less

This June 24, 2008 photo shows Midland County, Texas Sheriff Gary Painter posing in front of an oil pump. The wide open oilfields of West Texas are ripe pickings for thieves these days. Some drive up to one of ... more

In this Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 photo, Watford City Police Chief Art Walgren drives his patrol vehicle in Watford City, N.D. The 25-year police veteran says, "We're so used to trying to maintain that small-town attitude where you always wave at your neighbor and everybody's always your friend. Now, there are more people that you don't know than those that you do." (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

In this Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 photo, Watford City Police Chief Art Walgren drives his patrol vehicle in Watford City, N.D. The 25-year police veteran says, "We're so used to trying to maintain that small-town ... more

In this Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014 photo, Watford City Police Chief Art Walgren passes oil wells in his police vehicle in Watford City, N.D. Walgren, a 25-year police veteran, says with the increase in population, the police strategy has changed. "Before if you had a bunch of thefts, you'd have a handful of most likely suspects - people who were hard-up for money. Now it's much more anonymous and you have to go outside the box ... learn new techniques and handle crimes you've never dealt with before." (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

This Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 photo shows a row of housing at a "man camp" near Watford City, N.D. Most newcomers to the Bakken - which spans western North Dakota, eastern Montana and part of Canada - move here in search of a new job or, in some cases, a new life. But more people also means more crime, overcrowded jails and overwhelmed police departments. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

This Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2014 photo shows a row of housing at a "man camp" near Watford City, N.D. Most newcomers to the Bakken - which spans western North Dakota, eastern Montana and part of Canada - move here ... more

In this Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 photo, Dickinson Police Chief Dustin Dassinger stands next to patrol vehicles in Dickinson, N.D. "Some of the North Dakota niceness has left our community," says Dassinger. "Its an adjustment, not just for law enforcement but for everyone." A highly visible four-person team patrols the bars on random Friday and Saturday nights to head off brawls that have become increasingly common. Police reported calls were up nearly 45 percent from 2009 to 2014, when there were more than 27,000. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

In this Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014 photo, Dickinson Police Chief Dustin Dassinger stands next to patrol vehicles in Dickinson, N.D. "Some of the North Dakota niceness has left our community," says Dassinger. ... more

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, right, answers questions during a news conference after the announcement of the formation of the Bakken Organized Crime Strike Force, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at the State Capitol in Bismarck, N.D. Also at the announcement were, from left, Bruce Ohr, with the U.S. Department of Justice, Montana U.S. Attorney Mike Cotter and acting North Dakota U.S. Attorney Chris Myers. The strike force is aimed to fight organized crime, which has been blamed for much of the increase in human trafficking, violent offenses and drugs in the region. (Mike McCleary/The Bismarck Tribune via AP) less

North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem, right, answers questions during a news conference after the announcement of the formation of the Bakken Organized Crime Strike Force, Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at ... more

An officer guides a handcuffed man into a police car in Williston, N.D. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. Officials at local law enforcement agencies throughout the region say a marked increase in population from the oil boom is stretching their resources. They also say crime, including drug trafficking, is up. (AP Photo/Martha Irvine) less

An officer guides a handcuffed man into a police car in Williston, N.D. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2014. Officials at local law enforcement agencies throughout the region say a marked increase in population from the ... more

Photo: Martha Irvine, Associated Press

An officer guides a handcuffed man into a police car in Williston,... Photo-8454014.110947 - Houston Chronicle

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Timothy Purdon, the U.S. attorney for North Dakota, talks in his office in Bismarck, N.D. on Monday, Feb. 24, 2014 about the drug cases he and his staff have handled. Purdon says the sale and use of illegal drugs, much of it tied to the latest oil boom and the money made from it, is one of the state's most pressing problems. Methamphetamine and heroin brought in by motorcycle gangs, cartels and other out-of-state groups, particularly from the West Coast, are presenting big challenges, he says. (AP Photo/Martha Irvine) less

Timothy Purdon, the U.S. attorney for North Dakota, talks in his office in Bismarck, N.D. on Monday, Feb. 24, 2014 about the drug cases he and his staff have handled. Purdon says the sale and use of illegal ... more

Photo: Martha Irvine, Associated Press

Timothy Purdon, the U.S. attorney for North Dakota, talks in his... Photo-8454015.110947 - Houston Chronicle

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OUTSIDE NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 13: View of "flaring", the burning off of natural gas at an oil well, can be from the roadway and in the rear view mirror throughout Fort Berthold Indian Reservation day and night near New Town, ND on August 13, 2014. About 100-million dollars worth of natural gas burns off per month because a pipeline system isn't in place yet to capture and safely transport it . The Three Affiliated Tribes on Fort Berthold represent Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations. It's also at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom that has brought oil royalties to a large number of native americans living there. More income has also translated to more crime on the resvation in the form of meth use and additction, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. A small tribal police force is finding it difficult to cover the nearly one-million acre reservation as well as retain officers. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post via Getty Images) less

OUTSIDE NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 13: View of "flaring", the burning off of natural gas at an oil well, can be from the roadway and in the rear view mirror throughout Fort Berthold Indian Reservation day and ... more

NEAR MANDAREE, ND - AUGUST 11: Semi tractor trailers related to the oil production are a constant sight on the roads throughout Fort Berthold Indian Reservation near Mandaree, ND on August 11, 2014. The Three Affiliated Tribes on Fort Berthold represent Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations. It's also at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom that has brought oil royalties to a large number of native americans living there. More income has also translated to more crime on the resvation in the form of meth use and additction, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. A small tribal police force is finding it difficult to cover the nearly one-million acre reservation as well as retain officers. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post) less

NEAR MANDAREE, ND - AUGUST 11: Semi tractor trailers related to the oil production are a constant sight on the roads throughout Fort Berthold Indian Reservation near Mandaree, ND on August 11, 2014. The ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 16: (L-R) New Town police officer Tyler Fauver searches fa car for drugs with Three Affiliated Tribes officer Jacob Gadewoltz during a routine traffic stop in New Town, ND on August 16, 2014. The officers found a white powder inside that tested positive for methamphetamine or ecstasy. Finding drugs on traffic stops or on individuals is commonplace as the oil boom on the Fort Berthold Reservation has brought new money to many of its tribal members. With the rise in income, crime has increased. Specifically meth and heronine use and trafficking, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. It has stretched the infrastructure and resources of the tribe and its small police force which patrols nearly a million acres of tribal land. (Photo by Linda Davidson / TWP) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 16: (L-R) New Town police officer Tyler Fauver searches fa car for drugs with Three Affiliated Tribes officer Jacob Gadewoltz during a routine traffic stop in New Town, ND on August 16, ... more

Sgt. Daniel Blood of the Watford City Police handcuffs a suspect during a traffic stop in Watford City, N.D., Nov. 21, 2013. Crime in parts of the new oil towns in North Dakota and Montana has soared as thousands of workers and rivers of cash have flowed into the towns, straining police departments and shattering residents' sense of safety.(Matthew Staver/The New York Times) less

Sgt. Daniel Blood of the Watford City Police handcuffs a suspect during a traffic stop in Watford City, N.D., Nov. 21, 2013. Crime in parts of the new oil towns in North Dakota and Montana has soared as ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 15: Three Affiliated Tribes officer Jacob Gadewoltz takes tribal member Troy Yazzie into custody on a federal warrant in New Town, ND on August 15, 2014. In 2012 Yazzie was convicted and served time for burglary and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence in New Town. He was picked up tonight for violating the terms of his supervised release. Fort Berthold is at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom but also the boom of social issues among its members. Crime is on the rise with meth and heroin use and trafficking, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 15: Three Affiliated Tribes officer Jacob Gadewoltz takes tribal member Troy Yazzie into custody on a federal warrant in New Town, ND on August 15, 2014. In 2012 Yazzie was convicted ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 12: Three Affiliated Tribes Police Sgt. Dawn White burns sweetgrass in her squad car before starting her shift on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 12, 2014. Among its many ceremonial uses, White burns sweetgrass to attract good spirits and positive energy, but also uses it as protection while doing her job. Sgt. White was born on this reservation. She served in the military before working at the Three Affiliated Tribes (TAT) police department on Fort Berthold. TAT represents the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations. It's also at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom where cash is flowing from oil royalties and land leases. But with the rise in income there's also an increase social issues. Crime has increased dramatically in the form of drug use and trafficking, primarily in meth, heroine and prescription pills. They have also had an increase in drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 12: Three Affiliated Tribes Police Sgt. Dawn White burns sweetgrass in her squad car before starting her shift on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 12, 2014. ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 12: Three Affiliated Tribes police Sgt. Dawn White removes an open bottle of whiskey while searching for drugs on a traffic stop on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation near New Town, ND on August 12, 2014. The non-native driver was arrested for DUI and was with a native american woman who was arrested for criminal mischief. Because a non-native was arrested by the tribal police on tribal land, there are jurisdictional issues. The tribal police had to wait over an hour for the county sheriff to pick up the non-native driver and take him to jail. Jurisdictional issues involving the reservation, six nearby counties and the federal government make for inefficient policing for all entities. Fort Berthold spans nearly a million acres and is experiencing a huge increase in crime at a time when law enforcement staffing is minimal. Fort Berthold is at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom where the population is rising as the tribes and its people are flush with additional oil income. WIth this grown has come a rise crime in the form of drug use and trafficking, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 12: Three Affiliated Tribes police Sgt. Dawn White removes an open bottle of whiskey while searching for drugs on a traffic stop on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation near New Town, ND ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 15: Three Affiliated Tribes ChairmanTex Hall in his office on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 15, 2014. The Three Affiliated Tribes on Fort Berthold represents Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations. It's also at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom that has brought a lot of money to the tribes and its people but also a lot of crime as well. Drug use and trafficking, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence have increased dramatically. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 15: Three Affiliated Tribes ChairmanTex Hall in his office on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 15, 2014. The Three Affiliated Tribes on Fort Berthold ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 14: View of a meth lab motor home which rolled down a ravine while being busted on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 14, 2014. The Three Affiliated Tribes represent Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations. It's also at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom where cash is flowing, jobs are plenty but also attracts the growing pains and social issues that come with the boom. Crime has increased dramatically in the form of drug use and trafficking primarily meth, heroin and prescription pills. They also have a marked increase in drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 14: View of a meth lab motor home which rolled down a ravine while being busted on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 14, 2014. The Three Affiliated Tribes ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 13: Native american Rachelle Baker, 29, has the names of her two young children tattooed on her arms to cover up needle scars from being addictied to heroin and meth on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 13, 2014. She's clean now and hopes to stay that way. Fort Berthold is the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom where many tribal members finacially benefit from fracking leases and oil royalties. With the money as also come a dramatic increase in crime in the form of meth and heroin use and trafficking, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. Baker is looking at a 56-month jail term for using and selling drugs and hopes to regain full custody of her children when it's all over. She believes the reservation could benefit from a methadone clinic and a narcotics anonymous group. (Photo by Linda Davidson / TWP) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 13: Native american Rachelle Baker, 29, has the names of her two young children tattooed on her arms to cover up needle scars from being addictied to heroin and meth on the Fort Berthold ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 15: Three Affiliated Tribes police officer Jacob Gadewoltz rescues a puppy from under a dumpster for a tribal member on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 15, 2014. Most of the police calls relate to the uptick of crime on the reservation but there are some "service calls" like this one that officers find personally rewarding. The Three Affiliated Tribes on Fort Berthold, represents Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations. It's also at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom where cash is flowing, jobs are plenty but also attracts the growing pains and social issues that come with the boom. Crime has increased dramatically in the form of drug and human trafficking, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. (Photo by Linda Davidson / TWP) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 15: Three Affiliated Tribes police officer Jacob Gadewoltz rescues a puppy from under a dumpster for a tribal member on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in New Town, ND on August 15, ... more

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 13: View of three oil wells and flaring of natural gas on The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation near New Town, ND on August 13, 2014. About 100 million dollars worth of natural gas burns off per month because a pipeline system isn't in place yet to capture and safely transport it . The Three Affiliated Tribes on Fort Berthold represent Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nations. It's also at the epicenter of the fracking and oil boom that has brought oil royalties to a large number of native americans living there. More income has also translated to more crime on the resvation in the form of meth use and additction, drunk driving, assaults and domestic violence. A small tribal police force is finding it difficult to cover the nearly one-million acre reservation as well as retain officers. (Photo by Linda Davidson / The Washington Post via Getty Images) less

NEW TOWN, ND - AUGUST 13: View of three oil wells and flaring of natural gas on The Fort Berthold Indian Reservation near New Town, ND on August 13, 2014. About 100 million dollars worth of natural gas ... more